Properties of Gama, beta and alpha particles

Types of radiations

There are three types of radiations given by radioactive substances. They all cause certain substances, such as zinc sulphide, to luminesce, and all ionize gases through which they pass. they differ in their response to an electric field in the manner shown in figure below:

γ-rays

These uncharged rays are similar to X-rays

• they have high penetrating power; being able to pass through 0.1m of metal.
• have negligible weight
• are un deflected by electric field
• ionize gases they pass through

α-rays

• positively charged helium ions
• ionize gases they pass through
• deflected towards negative electric field
• have low penetrating power

β-rays

• negatively charged
• deflected toward positive electric field
• have medium penetrating power
• ionize gases they pass through

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